Best TV Van

[b12xplore]

Ok. So I'm looking for a new TV for my growing family. I currently have a 2008 Suburban LTZ towing a Coachmen Freedom Express 29SE (5627# dry).

What I'm interested in is what Van tow vehicle can do the job? I'm thinking a Ford E-350 5.4L (can't seem to find any with the 6.8L)...but also interested in other options like Ford Transit? Other Sprinters?

Thanks in advance!

[Lessmore]

trail-explorer wrote:

b12xplore wrote:

Any reason why the Chevy 3500 would perform better than the Ford E350 V10?

The longer vans (15 passenger I think they call it) is superior in the GM version because it has a longer wheelbase.

On the long Ford Van, they simply use the same length wheelbase and push the body out further behind the rear axle.... not great for heavier tongue weight.

(Not even sure you need a van that long)

Here's a description of the long vans: Long van safety video

(it's why I'd opt for a GM van if the need for a long one existed)

X 2

[trail-explorer]

b12xplore wrote:

Any reason why the Chevy 3500 would perform better than the Ford E350 V10?

The longer vans (15 passenger I think they call it) is superior in the GM version because it has a longer wheelbase.

On the long Ford Van, they simply use the same length wheelbase and push the body out further behind the rear axle.... not great for heavier tongue weight.

(Not even sure you need a van that long)

Here's a description of the long vans: Long van safety video

(it's why I'd opt for a GM van if the need for a long one existed)

[ACZL]

b12xplore wrote:
I don't see the current Transit as a replacement for a E-350. I wonder if they are planning on beefing the Transit up a little in the future?

I've had Transit 350's pass me as well as 250's. Either way, neither still looks as tough as the old E series vans. Haven't really studied them that closely.

[justafordguy]

carringb wrote:

Dadoffourgirls wrote:
I am not sure what year Ford stopped making the E350/V10.

2014

I would listen to this guy, check out his tow rig.:B

2000 Ford E350 DRW Wagon, V10 - 400,000+ miles!

[b12xplore]

I don't see the current Transit as a replacement for a E-350. I wonder if they are planning on beefing the Transit up a little in the future?

[carringb]

Dadoffourgirls wrote:
I am not sure what year Ford stopped making the E350/V10.

2014

[Dadoffourgirls]

I am not sure what year Ford stopped making the E350/V10. I can tell you that the GM 3500 can be found coming off rental use (2014 and 2015). I specifically looked for one with the backup camera and rear-sensors. The other item was power mirrors.

I added the trailer hitch and brake controller.

Mine was certified used, so I have 24 months of maintenance, and warranty. All this for under $25k.

[ACZL]

Didn't TL just do a test on vans? The new Ford Transit vans that replaced the Econoline is rear wheel drive I know. New RAM van is front wheel drive. Sprinter is rear wheel along w/ the Nissan. Not sure of engine availability. In my course of traveling the NYS T-way everyday, I see more Ford Tranits than any other new van being offered. Sadly though, none of them look to be serious tow haulers IMO.

[8_1_Van]

Dadoffourgirls wrote:
I strongly recommend a Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana with the 6.0 and 6sp. It does a great job towing my trailer. I absolutely love that I can get 18 mpg on highway when not towing.

I have a 2002 Chevy Express 3500 12 passenger van on the long 155" wheelbase with 8.1 big block that I like better than my 2003 6.0 PSD Excursion that I sold in 2007. But it was the only one like that for sale in the US when I purchased it in March 2008 and flew to Dallas Texas to pick it up.

[carringb]

b12xplore wrote:

Any reason why the Chevy 3500 would perform better than the Ford E350 V10?

The GM will get better Fuel Economy unloaded, and have more car-like steering feel. Other than that. The V10 will pull harder, has way more aftermarket support (engine and the van itself) and is a longer lasting power train. The E350 also has better brakes, and the stoke towing goodies (mirrors, trailer brake controller, tow/haul mode which actually provides some real engine braking).

The Nissan NV has a nice interior, but unless you remove the center console you can't walk between the front seats and the rear, and it has V10-like fuel economy but only V8 capability. And a giant nose to deal with. Its the same length as an extended Ford/Chevy but only the interior space of a regular body.

Both the GM and the Nissan have a max GCWR of 16,000 pounds. You could be running close to this if your trailer is fully loaded and you take some of the kid's friends. The E350/V10 is rated for 18,500 pounds. I upgraded mine to an E450 rear gear set (4.56 gears) and run right at 22,000 pounds combined.

[b12xplore]

Thanks for the information so far. I'm looking to trade in the burb, looking both new and used. Price not really an options since I haven't seen any real outrageous prices. Most are close to each other and I plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off.

I'm open to any models, but let me be clear.
I have a family of 6.
I plan on towing the Coachmen Freedom Express 29SE (5627# dry)
I plan on putting a decent roof rack (like Aluminess).
I plan on carrying gear, bikes, kayaks, etc... for 6 people with the travel trailer in tow.

This means that I need a decent Van with a capable gross weight and engine to pull all my sh*t.

Any reason why the Chevy 3500 would perform better than the Ford E350 V10?

[Bionic_Man]

Might want to include if you are looking new or used, and a rough budget.

In addition to those mentioned, Nissan has a full size offering with their 5.6 V8 that should be considered.

[carringb]

Here is one for sale near you with the V10 and the trailer tow package (including brake controller).

http://www.adventurevans.com/2012-Ford-12-Pass-XLT-V10-Charlotte-North-Carolina-28217/5508014

[APT]

For Ford E series, skip the 5.4L. I'll second what Dad said about GM's 6.0L/6-spd in a 3500 passenger van.